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http://www.todaytravelasia.com/th/thailand/hotels/

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http://www.todaytravelasia.com/th/thailand/tours/

Given the occasion, and the extended holiday time for Thais and Expats in Thailand alike, Today Travel Asia has compiled a few very attractive Songkran Packages for you, your family, and your friends. The Songkran Packages below are a mere sample of the type of Thailand Holiday you could do. For more ideas, browse through our Thailand Tours & Activities. If you already know what you want, you can write to our Thailand Travel Experts directly, and we will be sure to organize the Perfect Thailand Holiday for you.

Koh Chang Nature Tour - 3 Days
		Starting at THB 4700
		Spend your precious Songkran Holidays with your whole family or your partner on idyllic Koh Chang Island in Eastern Thailand. This tour will take you to some of the most beautiful snorkeling spots on the island. Relax on the beach, read a book, go snorkeling, or trek around the island to see Koh Chang’s fascinating waterfalls. Thi … Read it all!
		Tour Category: Private
		Tour Type: Beach & Islands , Songkran
		Tour Location: Bangkok - Koh Chang
		Tour Suitable for: Individuals,Couples,Families,Elderly,Small Groups

Songkran Northern Thailand Tour - 4 Days
		Starting at THB 11500
		Get together with your friends, colleagues, or your family and enjoy a truly inspiring Songkran Tour in the North of Thailand. Fly with Air Asia from Bangkok to Chiang Mai and tap directly into the laid back culture and vast nature of Northern Thailand. Bathe at Waterfalls, cruise along the Kok River, and view the spectacular scenery of the Gold … Read it all!
		Tour Category: Private , Join-In
		Tour Type: Songkran
		Tour Location: Bangkok - Chiang Mai - Panda - Bhubing Palace - Prathat Doi Suthep - Khan Tok - Mae Sa Elephant Center - Orchids Farm - Mae Sa Waterfall - Bor Sang SanKamPaeng - Chiang Rai - Mae Kha Jan Hot Spring - Wat Rong Khun - Golden Triangle - Mae Sai - Cruising along Kok River - Doi Tung - Bangkok
		Tour Suitable for: Families,Small Groups

Gulf of Thailand Diving Break - 3 Days
		Starting at THB 3900
		This three day tour will give you and your family or friends the chance to get a break from the water splashing craze in Bangkok and enjoy the peace of Prachuap Khiri Khan, Baan Krud, and Koh Thalu Island. Starting with a visit of Buddha’s footprint to a visit of the Waghor Aquarium onto snorkeling on nearby Koh Thalu Island. Thi … Read it all!
		Tour Category: Private , Join-In
		Tour Type: Beach & Islands , Songkran
		Tour Location: Bangkok, Ban Krut, Koh Talu
		Tour Suitable for: Couples,Families,Small Groups

Southern Thailand Malaysia Tour - 5 Days
		Starting at THB 6900
		Escape Thailand’s Songkran craze with an easy trip to Thailand’s southern neighbour, Malaysia. Malaysia is famous for it’s rich rainforests, vast tea plantations, and unmatched friendliness of the Malay people. You will get a change to sip freshly brewed tea at a tea farm in the Cameron Hi-Lands, a Cactus Farm,  as well as go shopping in … Read it all!
		Tour Category: Private , Join-In
		Tour Type: Songkran
		Tour Location: Bangkok - Had Yai - Dan SaDao - Genting Hi-Land - Kuala Lumpur - PutraJaya - Cameron Hi-Land - Tea Farm - Cactus Farm - IPoh
		Tour Suitable for: Individuals,Couples,Families,Elderly,Small Groups

Four Mounts Explorer - 4 Days
		Starting at THB 11500
		Join us on this unique Northern Thailand mountain explorer tour package. Northern Thailand is famous for its spectacular mountain views and scenic offerings. This tour will showcase the most magnificent mountains of the North, Doi MaeSaLong, Doi Tung, Doi AngKhang, Doi Suthep. This tour does not involve trekking, so no need to worry … Read it all!
		Tour Category: Private , Join-In
		Tour Type: Songkran
		Tour Location: Bangkok - Chiang Rai - Mae Sai - Golden Triangle - Chiang Saen - eWat phra Kaew - Wat Rong Khun - Doi Ma Slong - Doi Tung - ThaTon - Doi Ang Khang - Chiang Mai - BhuBing Palace - Phrathat Doi Suthep - Chiang Mai Airport
		Tour Suitable for: Individuals,Couples,Families,Elderly,Small Groups

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Today Travel Asia has made it a policy to design websites, which are fully W3C compliant, and is proud to be one of the few Tour Operator sites, which works smoothly on any browser and operating system, even mobile phones.

Today Travel Asia is a specialist Thailand Tour Operator & Bangkok Travel Agency. We offer Holidays in Thailand, Tour Packages, Hotel & Resort Packages, Sightseeing & Activities, Cruises in Thailand - all for individuals and groups. Professional local and western expertise. - Let Today Travel Asia create your Thailand holiday experience, today! Contact us now or Create Your Own Trip.

Microsoft released Internet Explorer 8 today with some interesting features. While IE still has a majority of the browser market share, it’s unlikely that too many hardcore Firefox, Safari or Chrome (even with the extension capability) are going to be switching any time soon. Even so, IE users will appreciate the new features. Download IE8 - Internet Explorer 8

This year is the 40th Anniversary of the leading Thai travel professional body, ATTA. The Association of Thai Travel Agents was started in 1968 to promote best practice for Travel Agents bring Tourists into the Kingdom of Thailand. Best Practise for travel agents equals excellent service for the tourists using ATTA members’ services.

The Anniversary celebration was marked by a lavish Gala Dinner at the Dusit Thani Hotel, Silom Bangkok presided over by Apichart Sankary, the President of the Association of Thai Travel Agents. The glittering event was attended by past and present Presidents, senior hotel staff and owners, Thai celebraties and senior government officials including the Minister of Tourism and Sports, Chumpol Silapa-archa and the Governor of the Tourism Authority of Thailand, Phornsiri Manoharn (the regulator for all tourist based companies in Thailand). A special Anniversary brochure was published and has been widely circulated within Thailand and to worldwide travel associations and selected agencies promoting ATTA’s activities and the Kingdom of Thailand.

Today Travel Asia has been actively involved in ATTA activities, helping generating new ideas for guidelines, campaigns and promotions to increase the quality of services delivered to customers. Today Travel Asia are proud to state that we jointly sponsored the 40th Anniversary publication and enjoyed attending the Gala evening at the Dusit Thani Hotel. Both Mark Shee, MD Today Travel Asia and KT Shee, the woman standing on the right in the photographs above, our Sales Director attended.

About ATTA
ATTA is a non-profit organisation that aims at promoting and supporting the Thai travel industry for the benefit of its members, clients and the Thai tourism industry.  Established in 1968 with just 10 members the numbers has grown to 1,277 members in 2008. This number is comprised of five honory members, 952 active members and 320 allied members.

For further information about ATTA please go to their website below:

http://www.atta.or.th/HomeUI.aspx

For Tourist Authority of Thailand

http://thai.tourismthailand.org/

For Today Travel Asia

www.todaytravelasia.com

Travel News Gazette 08 February 2009

Thailand has once again shown that it is the best place in Asia for family holidays. Not only is it best for families but also for the couples. At one side it is the best bargain and the other side it suits the tourists who want to have a luxury experience.

TripAdvisor-branded sites make up the largest travel community in the world, with more than 32 million monthly visitors, 9 million members, and 20 million reviews and opinions. An online survey was recently conducted and Travelers’ Choice Awards 2009 were announced, the only honors representing the unbiased opinions of millions of real travelers. Thailand has topped its many categories.

Layana Resort and Spa, Ko Lanta proved to be the best luxury in Asia while Peninsula Bangkok, Bangkok and Tongsai Bay Cottages & Hotel, Koh Samui were successful to be on 3rd and 5th position in the same category. Layana Resort and Spa did not only top the Asia list but also got 2nd place in the “Top 100 Best Luxury in the world”.

In the “Top 10 Best for families in Asia” and “Top 10 Best Hidden Gems in Asia” categories, Thailand ruled with capturing 5 places as Merlin Beach Resort, Patong stands on 3rd and Le Meridien Phuket Beach Resort, Karon on 5th in the former category. Oriental Kwai Resort, Kanchanaburi; Rimping Village, Chiang Mai and LaLaanta Hideaway Resort, Ko Lanta were being awarded with the first three places respectively in the later category.

Thailand became number 1 and number 2 in Asia in “Top 10 Best Bargains” and “Top 10 Best for Romance” categories respectively. Oriental Kwai Resort, Kanchanaburi is the top bargain in the Asia while SALA Samui Resort and Spa, Koh Samui is the 2nd best romantic place in Asia.

Tongsai Bay Cottages & Hotel, Koh Samui got 3rd position in “Top 10 Best for Romance in Asia” and also 5th position in “Top 10 Best Luxury in Asia”. Layana Resort and Spa, Ko Lanta was number 1 in “Top 10 Best Luxury in Asia” and number 6 in “Top 10 Best for Romance in Asia”. In the same way Rimping Village, Chiang Mai is number 2 in “Top 10 Best Hidden Gems in Asia” and number 9 in “Top 10 Best for families in Asia”.

Please find the complete list in of the awards below.

The 2009 Travelers’ Choice Awards

Top 10 Best Bargains in Asia (Thailand only)

1. Oriental Kwai Resort
Kanchanaburi, Thailand

6. The Waterfront Bophut
Koh Samui, Thailand

7. Rimping Village
Chiang Mai, Thailand

Top 10 Best for families in Asia (only Thailand)

3. Merlin Beach Resort
Patong, Thailand

5. Le Meridien Phuket Beach Resort
Karon, Thailand

6. JW Marriott Phuket Resort & Spa
Mai Khao, Thailand

7. Laguna Beach Resort
Thalang, Thailand

8. Rimping Village
Chiang Mai, Thailand

Top 10 Best Hidden Gems in Asia (only Thailand)

1. Oriental Kwai Resort
Kanchanaburi, Thailand

2. Rimping Village
Chiang Mai, Thailand

3. LaLaanta Hideaway Resort
Ko Lanta, Thailand

8. Rabbit Resort
Pattaya, Thailand

9. The Waterfront Bophut
Koh Samui, Thailand

Top 10 Best for Romance in Asia (only Thailand)

2. SALA Samui Resort and Spa
Koh Samui, Thailand

3. Tongsai Bay Cottages & Hotel
Koh Samui, Thailand

5. The Tubkaak Krabi Boutique Resort
Krabi, Thailand

6. Layana Resort and Spa
Ko Lanta, Thailand

Top 10 Best Luxury in Asia (only Thailand)

1. Layana Resort and Spa
Ko Lanta, Thailand

3. Peninsula Bangkok
Bangkok, Thailand

5. Tongsai Bay Cottages & Hotel
Koh Samui, Thailandwww.ftnnews.com/content/view/4913/32/lang,english

The Full List: http://cdn.tripadvisor.com/pdfs/tca/TravelersChoiceAwards2009.pdf

It is difficult to make sense of the market for Thai Tourism next year. The world is uncertain of the depth and length of the present credit crunch recession, the result equates to more revisions of market growth statistics globally then any period I can remember. Certainly the speed of the recession has caught everyone out, including conservative car manufacturers Toyota, whose business expansion plans now lie in tatters and who posted a loss for the first time in 71 years.  In Thailand the global credit crunch has been compounded by political uncertainty, airport closure and yet another change of government resulting in figures changing upward and downward like a yoyo depending on the agenda being promoted.

It is worth reflecting on the noble art of forecasting. Some would argue this is a learnt business skill, a case of planning, extrapolation and careful measurements of inputs to outputs. Normally, my management training and planning experience would lend me to agree to this statement and I would be fastidiously researching, planning then pouring my condensed knowledge into a spreadsheet. However, this only works when you can be sure of some of the core fundamentals. Fundamentals such as, political stability, government forecasts being broadly accurate, availability of capital at certain prices let alone confidence in statistics regarding the growth of your own market segments. This is not to say I do not have a plan! But my plan is not so reliant on the figures I can see banded around me and is flexible to the changes in the market as more solid information becomes available.

I’m slightly confused. On the one side looking positive Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) state that the airport closure caused a massive reduction in customer number for December and will cause a reduction, a ripple effect across Thai tourism that will last for sometime. But, they then comment that tourist figures are also broadly getting back to normal http://www.tatnews.org/tat_release/detail.asp?id=4102 so have posted a reduced target for 2009 from some 16 million to 14.5 million – a marginal drop of some 9.3% only. 

On the other more pessimistic side, the professional organization to whom I belong, The Association of Thai Travel Agents (ATTA) is commenting on a, ‘Shocking Decline in Tour Arrivals’, showing the biggest drop in numbers for 10 years for December and early January 2009.  ATTA president, Apichart Sankary is forecasting an exceptionally challenging year for its Tour Operator members, estimating a total of 13 million tourist visitors this year – a drop of some 18.75%.

http://www.ttrweekly.com/site/index.php?id=138&tx_ttnews[tt_news]=1113&tx_ttnews[backPid]=123&cHash=3797fda60b

To put this in context in 2007 tourism in Thailand grew some 26% and that was with a military government in control. 2008 was meant to have been a massive growth year for Thai tourism but political issues have cost at least 2 million passengers leaving growth ticking over at some 14%. Last year was definitely not the bumper year everyone hoped for. Next year looks like low growth throughout the year with all tour operators hoping for a peak next high season.

It’s going to be a challenging year but I’m 100% certain Tourism in Thailand will pick up dramatically towards the end of 2009. Why as tourism in Thailand tourism employs some 1.8m people and accounts for 6-7 per cent of gross domestic product. This is only for direct sales within this segment – unofficial figures for money bought into Thailand are 2-2.5 times this figure. This means the Thai government is completely committed to making this work.

Secondly are articles published by European and other press agencies indicating that Thailand still offers fantastic value even though the Thai baht has increased in value dramatically across most currencies. In fact the Thai baht has increase from 65 to 51 Thai baht to 1 pound sterling some 21% - but this article was published by the English press, a very positive sign. http://www.telegraph.co.uk/travel/travelnews/4126763/Thailand-offers-best-value-for-British-travellers.html

So what assumptions (statistics) is my plan based on:

1.       European and US long hall travel has been adversely affected – it has not gone away but expect drops of 20-30% which may increase or decrease depending on airline pricing strategy, offers and oil prices.

2.       Travel from Eastern Europe is likely to be maintained if not grow so spending time on this segment is a strategy worth adopting.

3.       Tourism travel within ASEAN is increasing and will increase further – expect major increases from China and Korea in particular and not forget Japan.

4.       Strong Thai baht against the dollar, pound sterling and Euro in itself is not enough to erode customer numbers. Thailand still offers great value.

5.       No. of passenger days will drop as to how much I am not certain but I am forecasting a drop of 1/3

6.       Revenue per tourist per day will also drop again – I am forecasting a drop of about 1/3 (UN World Tourism Organisation)

We at Today Travel Asia are forecasting that we will make our growth predictions but we have to think carefully about which markets we focus on and careful about projecting profitability.  This will be achieved through careful management of costs and delivering excellent customer services. This year will not be about the core product ie hotels and flights but will all be about trying to get the incremental business  – transfer, activities, tours and flights. It will be about offering promotional offers which entice customers to the site then adding more value to their holiday by building a personalized travel plan. That suits us fine in Today Travel Asia – that is after all what I built the business to do. So here we are looking forward to making 2009 a profitable year, but we are not expecting strong growth.

PS - the latest news from TTR Weekly further support my argument that Asean tourism statistics cannot be trusted. In an article called, ‘Asean figures could be cooked’ the writer points out the discrepencies within the Asian statistics for Tourist travellers visiting individual countries in the region. As the article points out, ‘ There are also concerns that some member countries are padding out for political purposes.’

It reminds me a about a story I heard about statistics. I was fortunate enought to work with a senior Rank Xerox manager in the past and he told me the following story. He said that originally photocopiers were bulky machines held in separate rooms in a business. It was decided by Rank Xerox that maybe it would be better to distribute smaller machines to departmental secretaries thus saving the administration staff time + creating a new product line.

My friend was fortunate enough to be a part of the research team for this new product. Rank Xerox  interviewed a large sample of secretaries and admin staff and the results came back. The then manager of my friend was then to present the results to the board. He had some major reservations and spoke to one of the board members sponsoring the research. He mentioned that his concern, it was that 51% of those interviewed said they did not want a departmental machine. The Senior Director replied that’s great 49% said they want it! The board approved the deal and photocopiers and eventually as we all know today desktop printers became the norm.

There are lies dam lies and then there are statistics.

Last night, on New Year Count Down I heard and saw the fire engines and police vehicles on Sukhumvit Road as I was walking home about 2.30am having been at another club in the area. I was to be meeting a friend in Thonglor, the street shortly before Ekkamai, but was warned off due the fire incident and subsequent traffic jams. I spoke to my fellow director at Today Travel Asia this morning and we both agreed that this could have easily been us. We are not regular club goers but on a special occassion we both enjoy letting our hair down at clubs local to our Today Travel Asia office on Sukhumvit Road.

I went and visited the Santika Nightclub site on Ekkamai this afternoon and took pictures. The police and fire engines were present as were groups of well wishers. The building is gutted. Some of the rescued building contents were piled up outside the main enterance including glasses some still with drink and several sofa and chairs looking incongurous and out of place in the car park.  

There have been a lot of questions asked regarding building safety regulations within Thailand and the Santika fire has raised those questions again.  This time safety and the lack of it here appears they are being taken very seriously. The majority of the party goers that perished were foreigners, thus far the origins have been confirmed as Austria, Korean, Japan and Nepal. This is not good news for Thailand Tourism which still recovering from the Airport closure in early December.

However it is worth noting the following:

1. Emergency services were very quickly at the scene and brought the fire under control with no delay
2. The Vadhana district (Ekkamai) was very quick to set up emergency centres where victims or relations could contact the centre for support and information
3. The Thai Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva went to Santika Pub 7 am Thursday morning and promised support and a full investigation
4. The police have already commented in The Nation newspaper that the safety in the Pub were substandard.

This is a positive stimulus for change and improvement in the future. My heartfelt sympathies go out to families and friends of the fire victims but I would like to think the lives of their loved ones were not in vain.  The shock of this tragic event is felt all across Thailand and is driving the government responses here. It looks like the Thai government will be pushing for improved safety standards for nightclubs, pubs and bars in the future.

The fire is an opportunity for the Thai government to step up to the mark and make appropriate legislation safety standard changes. This does not have to a be a ‘root and branch’ change, this would not be accepted. But, a chance to identify key items which will make the maximum impact upon safety and really enforce these changes. I look forward to this.

Thai general safety standards are not up to the levels of the West but are common to most countries in Asia. Ironically it is partly this lack of general strict regulation which explains why many people visit these countries including Thailand. It feels and is much freer and easier than their own country.

Thailand is a friendly and open society in which I have never felt threatened and aggression is rare. This is very unlike many European, US and Eastern European Cities, particularly late at night and near drinking establishments or clubs. As I mentioned above I walked back last night, New Years Eve, at 2.30-3pm passing by many bars and clubs and as usual no problem - other than my wife complaining that her feet were hurting. Well she was wearing high heels. I must learn to be more sympathetic!

The following is a list of emergency numbers for hospitals and police information centres here in Bangkok.

http://www.nationmultimedia.com/2009/01/01/headlines/headlines_30092283.php

For information about travel and tours in Thailand please check my website www.todaytravelasia.com